Pirate Press

The Student News Site of Ottawa Township High School
Sing and Play Along
Sing and Play Along
Say cheese. The students attending ILMEA All-State take a pause from the frantic festivities to snap a picture.
Music is In the Air
5 Ways to Get a Girl to Like You
Valentine's Day Reading
Valentine’s Day Reading
Come on in. In case you don't frequent the library often, you can access its entrance on the 300 floor.
Resources for You in the School Library
Sing and Play Along
Sing and Play Along
Fancy for finals. Orchestra Members senior Jack Stanek, sophomore Logan Olsen and sophomore Chloe Carmona are living out the final week of ILMEA, in Peoria, in style. “ILMEA is a way for us band kids to push our skills to the limit and meet talented musicians from Illinois,” Stanek said.
ILMEA Participants of 2024
Warming up is important. The band can be seen warming up before practicing their songs.
Strike Up the Band for the Christmas Concert
Reaching for beauty. Yesenia Leonn creates a masterpiece. Leonn displays a picture of her favorite art piece. “The reasoning that this one is my favorite is because at the time. Print making was new to me, and this is one of the pieces that can be interpreted with meaning in different ways with different eyes,” Leonn said. 
Artist of the Month: Yesenia Leonn
Former teacher Doug Hearn is featured in this painting that is located in the library classroom. This painting has former cross country team members and former teacher and coach, Paul Smith.  
The Art Collection of OHS
He shoots, he scrores. Junior Owen Sanders slams an opposing player from Sycamore to the ground to make a layup.
February Athlete of the Month: Owen Sanders
Danced to the Top
Danced to the Top
Shooting threes and defeating teams.
Shooting threes and defeating teams.
Senior Shaylen Quinn runs at the 2A state meet, becoming the fourth Ottawa Lady Pirate to run at state. This took place on Saturday, November 9 at Detweiller Park in Peoria, Illinois. With many friends and family there to support her, she finished the last race of her high school career.
December Athlete of the Month: Shaylen Quinn
The champion team holding up “number ones” to show their victory. From left to right: Coach Mark Cooper, Freshman James Threadgill, Sophomore Bryer Harris, Junior Colt Bryson, Senior Seth Cooper, Senior Chandler Creeden, Junior Jacob Armstrong, Senior Deklan Gage, Coach Jerry Couch, and Coach Keith Budzowski.  Photo credit: Julie Threadgill 
Swinging to Success
Looks can be deceiving. Cartoony illustrated cover pages often misrepresent the content behind the front cover.
The Rise of “Booktok” and What Kinds of Literature it’s Promoting
What Books High Schoolers Should Actually Expose Themselves To 
What Books High Schoolers Should Actually Expose Themselves To 
5 Ways to Get a Girl to Like You
Beyonce is pictured with her 3 Grammys after the award show
Is Passion Enough For an Award?
"Little Women" Movie Review
“Little Women” Movie Review
Looks can be deceiving. Cartoony illustrated cover pages often misrepresent the content behind the front cover.
The Rise of “Booktok” and What Kinds of Literature it’s Promoting
What Books High Schoolers Should Actually Expose Themselves To 
What Books High Schoolers Should Actually Expose Themselves To 
Beyonce is pictured with her 3 Grammys after the award show
Is Passion Enough For an Award?
"Little Women" Movie Review
“Little Women” Movie Review
Pete Holmes and Judy Greer are interviewed by Tyler Treese about how it was on set and how the actors were able to relate themselves to the characters. “Well, I felt personally pretty overwhelmed on that set with all the kids around and the big set pieces and everything and how important the movie was. So, I didn't have to work that hard, but it was really fun,” Judy Greer said.
Movie Review: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Pirate Press
Pirate Press
Categories:

Sing and Play Along

Tobias Burkey
March 6, 2025

Solo and Ensemble. Senior RJ School and juniors Cameron Dumke, Noah Logan and Robert Murphy all work on their prepared song “The Pasture.” The Solo and Ensemble contest takes place on March 8th at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School. “I enjoy meeting with my friends and making cool music. Solo and Ensemble has allowed me to grow not only my musical abilities, but also my relationships with my choir and band friends,” Dumke said. 

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More in Fine Arts
Fancy for finals. Orchestra Members senior Jack Stanek, sophomore Logan Olsen and sophomore Chloe Carmona are living out the final week of ILMEA, in Peoria, in style. “ILMEA is a way for us band kids to push our skills to the limit and meet talented musicians from Illinois,” Stanek said.
ILMEA Participants of 2024
Warming up is important. The band can be seen warming up before practicing their songs.
Strike Up the Band for the Christmas Concert
Reaching for beauty. Yesenia Leonn creates a masterpiece. Leonn displays a picture of her favorite art piece. “The reasoning that this one is my favorite is because at the time. Print making was new to me, and this is one of the pieces that can be interpreted with meaning in different ways with different eyes,” Leonn said. 
Artist of the Month: Yesenia Leonn
More in Student Life
Say cheese. The students attending ILMEA All-State take a pause from the frantic festivities to snap a picture.
Music is In the Air
5 Ways to Get a Girl to Like You
Valentine's Day Reading
Valentine's Day Reading
Come on in. In case you don't frequent the library often, you can access its entrance on the 300 floor.
Resources for You in the School Library
Cell phones can be a distraction from your studies. Sometimes, it may be a good idea to put it down and focus on your work.
Phone Usage at School: Yay or Nay?
Caution: Ice Possible
Caution: Ice Possible
About the Contributor
Tobias Burkey
Tobias Burkey
Tobias Burkey is a senior and an actor in the Theatre in Ottawa. His notable roles are Rooster from Annie, the Parrot in Little Women, and Mr. Reed in These Shining Lives. He is also the drum major in the high school band. He plays percussion and is a member of the Wind Ensemble and is a tenor in Crimson Choir. He also does Original Comedy and Humorous Duet Acting in Speech Team. He enjoys writing and is excited to do so for the Pirate Press.  
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